Nigeria launches 16MW solar mini‑grid network and commissions 1MW project in Gombe

Commissioning of the Tallasse mini‑grid The Federal Government of Nigeria, via the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), officially commissioned a 1‑megawatt solar mini‑grid in Tallasse, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State. The installation includes a 2.4‑megawatt‑hour battery storage system and is reported to serve more than 6,000 connections. According to the REA, the project also supplies productive‑use equipment such as electric groundnut oil processing, modular rice milling, flour‑grinding machines and electric tricycles, linking reliable power to agriculture and local enterprises. The commissioning marked the end of a 17‑year electricity blackout in the community.

Groundbreaking of a 16MW network At the same event, officials broke ground on a larger scheme comprising four interconnected solar mini‑grids with a combined capacity of 16 megawatts. The new network will serve the communities of Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo across Gombe State. The federal‑state partnership involves the REA, the Gombe State Government and a private developer. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, indicated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is intended to improve livelihoods, stimulate rural businesses and reduce reliance on costly self‑generation.

Expected economic impact Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the projects as evidence of effective collaboration between federal and state authorities, emphasizing that reliable electricity combined with agro‑processing facilities and electric mobility should generate broader economic opportunities for residents. REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu noted a strategic shift from measuring success solely by the number of connections or megawatts installed to assessing the tangible economic benefits delivered to the communities.

Outlook Both the commissioned mini‑grid and the upcoming 16‑megawatt network are positioned to strengthen public services, attract investment and support small‑scale enterprises in underserved rural areas. Officials have urged local residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism to ensure its long‑term sustainability.